Reality TV Emmy...Who should get a nomination?

ATAS adds reality TV categories to Emmys
Feb. 21, 2003

Reflecting the growth of the reality genre this season, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has voted to add new categories for writing and directing nonfiction programs to the annual Primetime Emmy Awards. The ATAS board on Thursday agreed to add the new categories and slightly revise the definition of its nonfiction series and specials award categories. The category of nonfiction series (informational), introduced in 2001, has been revised as nonfiction series (traditional), to encompass traditional documentary and informational series. The category formerly known as nonfiction programming (special class) has been divided into nonfiction program (alternative/unscripted) and nonfiction program (reality/competition) to better reflect the trends in the genre that ranges from "Survivor"-like elimination shows to talent competitions a la "American Idol." The new writing and directing categories will be limited to the traditional nonfiction categories. The nonfiction categories in question are so-called area awards that are not part of the broader Emmy voting pool but are selected by ATAS' relevant peer group panels. (Cynthia Littleton)

So who should be nominated for the Emmy for Nonfiction Program (reality/competition)?

When you're ten years old and a car drives by and splashes a puddle of water all over you, it's hard to decide if you should go to school like that or try to go home and change and probably be late. So while he was trying to decide, I drove by and splashed him again. - Jack Handey

Originally posted by SnowflakeGirl I agree w/ Threshold. I would vote for Joe Millionaire.

I thought it was brilliant. It was both a parody of hoary romantic reality TV cliches and a reverential tribute to the genre all at the same time.

Besides, no matter what qualms or criticism anybody had, who was NOT watching that show this year?

One might not be able to look away from a train wreck either, but just because everyone was standing around watching it happen does not mean that it was a good sight. Joe Millionaire was a poorly put together show. I would never consider it the best.